Rita Weatherford

Rita Weatherford, age 76, of Ellenboro, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Wendover Hospice in Shelby.

Rita was born Friday, August 12, 1949 in Cleveland County to the late James Greene and Nora Mashburn Greene. Rita lived a life of service to others which included her work as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Hospice and for Carolina Community Care. She was a faithful member of Goode’s Grove Baptist Church where she ministered as the Vacation Bible School Director and Church Clerk. Her servant’s heart led her to become a volunteer for several years at Basics Christian Ministries in Henrietta. She also loved cooking for her family and friends. Rita leaves a legacy of a self-sacrificial life lived for God, her family and for others.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Renee Weatherford and her brother, James “Jimmy” Greene.

Those left to honor her memory include her loving daughter, Norlina Cochran (Billy) of Ellenboro; “adopted” “Baby Boy” Wayne Lowery (Kim) of Bostic; grandchildren, Samantha Cochran, Timothy Lowery (Hannah), Dee Anna Wilson (Greg), Seth Lowery (Elaine); great grandchildren, John Reid Lowery, Eleanor Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Levi Lowery, Kathryn Lowery, Naomi Lowery, Haevyn Lowery and a nephew, Christopher Greene.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 23rd at Goode’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Robby Hensley and Reverend Chris Blalock officiating. The family will gather in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service at the graveside.

Memorial donations are requested to Basics Christian Ministries, PO Box 207, Cliffside, NC 28024 or the Goode’s Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 67, Mooresboro, NC 28114.